Mideast social media users dismiss Obama speech

(CNN) -- Users of CNN Arabic's Facebook page in the Middle East dismissed a major policy speech by U.S. President Barack Obama in which he said the pre-1967 borders of Israel should serve as the basis for negotiations in the formation of a future Palestinian state.

Those borders could be based on "mutually agreed swaps, so that secure and recognized borders are established for both states," the president said.

Initial feedback to the speech was mostly negative. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted coolly, saying the basis for such borders would leave Israel "indefensible" by putting major population centers beyond those borders. Hamas also rejected the speech.

And of the more than 100 responses from outside Israel, all but one of which were written in Arabic and translated into English here, most were skeptical. This post by Abdullah Mohammed, from Lebanon, was typical. Referring to Israel's recent decision to build more housing for Jewish settlers on land the Palestinians consider theirs, he wrote: "Where is the land Mr. Obama?" he asked. "A few days ago you agreed for the Israelis to build 620 settlements."

Meanwhile Basma Ibrahim, from Egypt, commented: "Hey Obama, this is only in dreams and even there it is impossible." His fellow countryman Ahmed Mamdouh added: "Enough lying ... what was taken by force can't be gained back but by force. Whoever believes otherwise must be dreaming."

Read more of the posts in Arabic.

Another poster from Egypt was dismissive of Obama's comment that "the dream of a Jewish and democratic state cannot be fulfilled with permanent occupation." Mai Salah Arabi said: "Can you tell us Mr. Obama: What will help the Jews implement their hopes and dreams. Maybe bring back Hitler to live..."

Mohammad Zakariya, also from Egypt, asked: "What are you waiting for Mr. Obama ... go man go! We will support your serious steps BUT?" And Ahmed Elgayyar, from Lebanon, said: Obama is preparing himself for the elections ... he can say anything he wants to win it.

There was also a strong reaction to Obama's opposition to Hamas playing a leadership role with Fatah unless the former recognizes Israel's right to exist and renounces terrorism. Ahmed Mamdouh, from Egypt, wrote: "Do you think attacking each others is better. You are really strange Mr. Obama!"

And Nora Mohamed, from Egypt, commented: "Israel has been cowered and afraid of Arabs and Muslims. Day will come anyway..."

Obama's stated support for democratic reform in the Middle East and North Africa also came in for criticism. In his speech he declared that the wave of change sweeping the region "cannot be denied" and condemned the use of force against Arab Spring protesters by longtime allies and adversaries alike.

The president also offered $1 billion in debt relief for Egypt, and said he would help that country and Tunisia recover money stolen by the previous regimes.

Egyptian Nancy Nahhas was not impressed: "Haha," she wrote. "Tell'm to return the stolen money of Iraq!!"

And on debt relief, Iraqi Emad Taha said: "The rest of the sentence that he did not mention is: we want democracy that will have debts and loyalty to the USA."

On Obama's call for dialogue in Bahrain between the regime and opposition members, Fati Sawsan asked: "What dialogue are you talking about? Why in Bahrain you call for dialogue, while others, you tell them to leave?"

Luay Adam, from Syria, agreed: "Is there any opposition left out of prison to talk to?" And when Obama said of Bahrain, "we are committed to its security," Yehya Saqaf, from Yemen, responded pithily: "Security of the authority or the people?"

Yehya Saqaf, from Yemen, asked: "Why the sanctions against the Syrian president and nothing against the Bahrain or the Yemeni presidents. One is above law and others are below... that's not accepted. Also there is a need to open the investigation for crimes against humanity in Syria."

On Obama's observation that demonstrations were launched from within Middle East countries, and not by the U.S., Arige Alward commented: "The people went to the streets to kick out the Americans, Mr. Obama."

And Bial Kareem added: "Thanks to Mr. Obama and goodbye to Arab nationalism that keeps looking out for its own interests, not the Arab comprehensive national interest. All Arab summits for the last 30 years are not looking for the national interest at all."

CNN.com Arabic's Caroline Faraj contributed to this report.